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Planning a second trip to Africa

My husband, our granddaughter, and I were in Kenya in August 2007 and are thinking of going again within the next couple of years. We stayed at:
• Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel inbound, and a day room in the Giraffe Manor on the outbound)
• Samburu (Intrepid)
• Mt. Kenya (Mt. Kenya Safari Club)
• Lake Naruku (Sarova Lion Hill Lodge)
• Masai Mara (1 night Mara Serena and 4 nights Little Governors)

We had the best time, saw all the Big 5 within the first couple of days and saw the migration in Masai Mara. We had a private tour during most of the trip except in the Little Governors.

This time we would like to go back to Masai Mara to see the migration again and to the crater in Tanzania. We did not have the experience of a treetop lodge the last time, therefore would like to experience that this time around.

We are planning on spending one week first in Europe and then two weeks in Africa, but we can always change that around.

Glad to see you wish to return, but know lots can change in the next year or two... like new properties, which seem to be opening every day in both countries.

For the migration in the Mara, it's got to be between mid-July and August (assuming granddaughter has to be back to school.) And, as I'm a firm believer of 'save the best for last' I'd keep the Mara for the end of your visit.

As to 'tree lodge' type properties, in Tanzania, there are two that I'm aware. Treetops at Tarangire (deserves minimum 2/nts as they have a mini-migration between July/Oct) and Tree Lodge at Lake Manyara... both very very expensive during this peak season, in the range of $800-1,000/person/nt.

Tarangire is the 'elephant' park in Tanzania and a gem of a park. Tree Lodge too is lovely, but know it's at least a 2/hr drive thru Mayara at the very south and then the same minimum 2/hrs to depart from here, why at least 2/nts should be spent here.

Would suggest you arrive at Tanzania (JRO airport) with 1-2/nts in Arusha; then to Tarangire 2-3/nts, to Manyara (though not as good at Tarangire during this time), Ngorongoro Crater 2/nts, to the Central Serengeti, 2-3/nts and then back to Kenya for maybe a night in NBO to catch your breath, then conclude in the Masai Mara 4-5/nts... home out of Nairobi.

Know though that prices for 2013 or 2014, won't be available before earliest June of the year prior to when you wish to visit.

Sandi, you are the best. Nikki is a freshman in college now, so we do have to stick to her school schedule. I think this is going to be Rick and my last big trip...

Based on you suggestions, here is a tentative itinerarly.
Day 01 JRO Tanzania
Day 02 Arusha
Day 03 Tarangire
Day 04 Taramgire
Day 05 Manyara
Day 06 Ngorongoro
Day 07 Ngorongoro
Day 08 Serengeti
Day 09 Serengeti
Day 10 Serengeti
Day 11 Nairobi
Day 12 Masai Mara
Day 13 Masai Mara
Day 14 Masai Mara
Day 15 Masai Mara
Day 16 Fly home from Nairobi

Is this about right? I would like to stay in at least one of the two tree houses in Taramgire and Lake Manyara, and if possible stay in the Giraffe Manor for the one night. Some lodges and some permanent tents. Private guide and pop up van.

Is it all doable if I have a budget of $10,000 per person not counting the fights to and from the States.

Looks like a nice itinerary that fits well with a summers off school schedule. Definitely doable with your budget. I'd suggest a 4x4 with popup or similar when possible over a van since your budget allows it because rain is now unpredictable and you can encounter mud at any time of year.

May I suggest walking and canoeing in Arusha National Park your first day? Provides a nice variety of activity.

For a 'tree lodge' I'd suggest Treetops at Tarangire as you have 2/nts minimum here. As the Tree Lodge at Manyara is so far into at the end of Manyara, 1/nt doesn't cut it, besides this park isn't at it's best during July/Aug, you can use it elsewhere. Also Treetops has more than sufficient room for 3/pax in one cottage up in the trees, with wrap-around terrace.

As to the Giraffe Manor... why not, but when the time comes, know this books quickly with so few rooms... so bear in mind, giving yourself at least 8/mos prior to book this one.

And, by the time 2/yrs rolls around who knows what overall prices for any property might be... they keep going up. Your budget should do it, if rates don't go crazy. However, you know you can always adjust with 1 or 2 lower priced properties to fit in all you wish.

This information is extremely helpful and we thank you for the posts. We are planning a trip to Africa in 2013 to see the migration. We've been to Botswana before (Okavango Delta camps) and were spoiled by the open sided land rovers. I am a photographer and the ability to take photographs with a clear view is an important aspect of our trips - especially in Africa. It sounds like we might want to consider booking a private vehicle to ensure that we don't have to jockey for space. We are also looking for lodging/camps in Kenya that are more of a splurge since this will probably be our last trip to Africa. We're considering Govenor's Camp but would appreciate any additional recommendations you might have to offer.

James, you might want to start your own thread so that we can answer your specific questions. My first would be when do you want to go? Depending on the time of year, the Migration herds could be in Tanzania (Serengeti) or Kenya (Masai Mara.)

... agree James, but comment: of course, depending on budget, but Governor's wouldn't necessarily be considered a splurge (a big camp with 40/tents). You can often get similar prices at better camps, small/intimate as well, vehicles.

Hello,
I have just been to Tanzania, for safari in the major northern parks and stay in lodges. From the proposed itinerary, its ok and i can suggest for lodges in Tanzania.
Based on you suggestions.
Day 01 JRO Tanzania (Mount Meru Hotel or Arusha Hotel)
Day 02 Arusha (Hatari Lodge)
Day 03 Tarangire (Tarangire Safari Lodge)
Day 04 Taramgire (Tarangire River Camp)
Day 05 Manyara (Kirurumo Tented Camp)
Day 06 Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge)
Day 07 Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Serena Lodge)
Day 08 Serengeti (Serengeti Serena Lodge)
Day 09 Serengeti (Mbuzi Mawe Tented Canp)
Day 10 Serengeti (Mbuzi Mawe Tented Canp)
Day 11 Nairobi
Day 12 Masai Mara
Day 13 Masai Mara
Day 14 Masai Mara
Day 15 Masai Mara
Day 16 Fly home from Nairobi